Review

Matters of Vital Interest

A Forty-Year Friendship with Leonard Cohen

by Eric Lerner

Release date: October 16th, 2018

I received a complimentary ARC copy of Matters of Vital Interest: A Forty-Year Friendship with Leonard Cohen by Eric Lerner from NetGalley and De Capo Press in order to read and give an honest review.

I have been a fan of Leonard Cohen since my teens. Unlike most of the new wave, punk heroes of my youth, Cohen’s work somehow spoke to me on a very different level. He was not glammed up with spiked hair and eyeliner but had a cool elegance that made him and his music stand out for me. Although his work was, and still is, brilliant, poetic and fairly well known, the man himself, always seemed to remain a mystery…until now. Author Eric Lerner, a close personal friend of Cohen for over forty years shares with us an intimate and unique portrait of the man, his spirit and the creative and curious workings of his mind.

As a fan I really enjoyed this, although bittersweet and intensely emotional at times, it gave us a glimpse inside Cohen’s life like nothing else I have watched or read. Lerner and Cohen endured a great deal throughout their friendship from trying to find spiritual meaning and weathering their creative storms, to divorce, parenting and ultimately illness. These two went through it all, offering support, kindness, wit and most importantly honesty. We saw them search for spiritual meaning, exploring Zen Buddhism while still adhering to their Jewish faith. I giggled at the story of their existential conversation whilst watching a nature documentary about penguins. We learn about what made Cohen tick, how proud he was to be a father and the little idiosyncrasies that make us see him as perhaps a little less mysterious and if anything, the very human, honest and extremely self-aware artist he was.

I love the fact Lerner gives us a glimpse into Cohen’s life in a respectful but very honest way, highlighting the good but also sharing the troublesome often overwhelming things that Cohen endured in his life. My only issue with the book, although it wouldn’t stop me reading it, was the fact it jumps around in spots. Some sections seemed like a meandering internal dialogue going back and forth, revisiting things as they came to Lerner’s mind but often seemed a bit repetitive in my opinion.

All in all, I really enjoyed this unique gift to Cohen fans everywhere, an honest, captivating glimpse at the man and his music, a must read in my opinion.

If you are an aspiring writer who wants to publish your first book, Your First Novel: Revised and Expanded Edition is a perfect guidebook for you. Some of the biggest challenges a writer faces often just boils down to a lack of knowledge. This book is a very comprehensive how-to guide that which walks you through every step of the writing process. From creating a positive mindset, idea creation, POV and dialogue to finding an agent and publishing. I loved the tone of the book, it was easy to read and comprehend. The authors offer examples from well known published books to illustrate each section as well as reading lists of other books that focus on that specific aspect of writing. I don’t think they leave any aspect of the writing process out. Although it leans primarily towards traditional publishing it does feature an informative chapter on self-publishing.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book which I know will become a reference that I will refer to time and again.

Review

Daily Writing Resilience

365 Meditations & Inspirations for Writers

by Bryan Robinson

Release date: January 8th, 2018

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of Daily Writing Resilience ~ 365 Meditations & Inspirations for Writers from NetGalley & Llewellyn Publications in order to read and give an honest review.

I loved this book and found it to be incredibly motivational. Bryan Robinson’s inspirational book is a daily devotional for writers. Daily Writing Resilience offers a writer 365 days of prompts and advice, sure to help get their creativity flowing. The book is dated containing daily quotes, valuable snippets of wisdom and what the author calls “Today’s Takeaway” which are tips to help any writer be the best they can be. It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned writer, battling writer’s block or just starting to get your feet wet, I would definitely recommend Daily Writing Resilience to anyone looking for motivation.

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“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.” ~ Albert Camus

Finally, 2018 is here and with it a renewed sense of spirit. 2017 had more than it’s share of challenges, sadness and loss but it’s time to move forward into a bright and shiny New Year.

I decided although I have goals to some degree I wasn’t going to make all of the usual resolutions which in all likelihood would fizzle out when more pressing things popped up. I decided on one simple focus: to just be a better person than I was last year. I hope to be healthier, more at peace, more creative, more positive, more knowledgeable…just more. No constraints, no competition, no self-doubt…no stressing about where I am. If last year taught me anything it’s that life is too short to spend it trying to be perfect, I just want to be me, a better version, not perfect…just unapologetically me.

Over at Professor Owl’s Book Corner, we will be publishing our January Newsletter this week.This month, as usual, we will share some great book recommendations, literacy tutoring information and writing inspiration for our young writers.

We will also be resuming our “We Are The World Blogfest” #WATWB on January 26th . We are so thrilled about the fantastic response we are getting and send out a huge thank you to all those who have participated. If you are tired of all of the negativity online please join us and help be the change. 🙂

Wondering what #WATWB is all about? The #WATWB was inspired by a simple conversation about how all the negativity on social media was weighing on us. Wanting to make a difference we decided to try to do our part to infuse social media with all the good stories that are out there. We hope to share the stories that show kindness, compassion, hope, overcoming challenges and in general, the impressive resilience of the human spirit. For every dark, negative story out there, there is a positive, heartwarming story that will add some light and lift the human spirit. The last Friday of every month bloggers will share their positive stories led by five co-hosts. If you are interested in learning more about this or to join us pleaseclick herefor details. Again, #WATWB is back on January 26th, 2018!

Wishing everyone a fantastic January!

Wherever you may be in your day or evening, I hope you are living in and loving the moment.

Live, laugh & love!❤

“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” ~ Maya Angelou

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“Now I’ve learned, the hard way, that some poems don’t rhyme, and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious Ambiguity.”

~ Gilda Radner

November is here, and in Toronto, we are finally getting some crisp autumn weather. Although I’m not participating in NaNoWriMo my main focus will be writing this month. As usual, November also brings with it more, studying, coaching, blogging and books to review but also a few new projects in the works.

Over at Professor Owl’s Book Corner, we recently published our November 2017 Newsletter. This month features some great book recommendations, literacy tutoring information about NaNoWriMo and writing inspiration for our young writers.

On October 27th, we celebrated our eighth instalment of the “We Are The World Blogfest” #WATWB. We are so thrilled about the fantastic response we are getting and send out a huge thank you to all those who have participated. My October post was titled “Magic Wheelchair, Putting a Smile on Children’s Faces! #WATWB“ about an incredible organization that creates fabulous Halloween costumes for kids in wheelchairs.

Wondering what #WATWB is all about? The #WATWB was inspired by a simple conversation about how all the negativity on social media was weighing on us. Wanting to make a difference we decided to try to do our part to infuse social media with all the good stories that are out there. We hope to share the stories that show kindness, compassion, hope, overcoming challenges and in general, the impressive resilience of the human spirit. For every dark, negative story out there, there is a positive, heartwarming story that will add some light and lift the human spirit. The last Friday of every month bloggers will share their positive stories led by five co-hosts. If you are interested in learning more about this or to join us pleaseclick herefor details.Next post is November 24th, 2017!

Wishing everyone a wonderful November and may you make some new and exciting memories! Wherever you may be in your day or evening, I hope you are living in and loving the moment.

Live, laugh & love! ❤

“I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.”

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“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”

~ Marcel Proust

October is here, although in Toronto we are still facing some warm summer-like days, I am still enjoying my autumn. I look forward to a wonderful Thanksgiving and have so much to be grateful for. Huge thanks to my wonderful family, friends and followers who make each day so special.

October brings more writing, studying, coaching, blogging and books to review which will no doubt be keeping me very busy as usual. In order to meet some of my goals I might not be online quite as often but will be checking in at regular intervals.

Over at Professor Owl’s Book Corner, we recently published our October 2017 Newsletter. This month features some great book recommendations, literacy tutoring and creative writing inspiration for our young writers.

On September 29th, we celebrated our seventh installment of the “We Are The World Blogfest” #WATWB. We are so thrilled about the fantastic response we are getting and send out a huge thank you to all those who have participated. My September post was titled “Making Magic for Pediatric Cancer Patients” about an amazing women who crochets fantasy wigs for young cancer patients. A fellow #WATWB blogger, Lynn Hallbrooks, forwarded this story to me knowing I am an avid crocheter and she knew that this story would be right up my alley.

Wondering what #WATWB is all about? The #WATWB was inspired by a simple conversation about how all the negativity on social media was weighing on us. Wanting to make a difference we decided to try to do our part to infuse social media with all the good stories that are out there. We hope to share the stories that show kindness, compassion, hope, overcoming challenges and in general, the impressive resilience of the human spirit. For every dark, negative story out there, there is a positive, heartwarming story that will add some light and lift the human spirit. The last Friday of every month bloggers will share their positive stories led by five co-hosts. If you are interested in learning more about this or to join us pleaseclick herefor details.Next post is October 27th, 2017!

Wishing everyone a wonderful October…wherever you may be in your day or evening, I hope you are living with grace & gratitude.

Live, laugh & love! ❤

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~ John F. Kennedy

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“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” ~ Ella Fitzgerald

It’s hard to believe the summer is almost over and autumn, my favourite season, is almost upon us! I see cool evenings, warm blankets, pumpkin spice lattes (yes, I’m a pumpkin person…don’t judge😉 ) and lots of reading in my future. Many of my projects are falling into place, I’m looking forward to some busy months ahead working hard, pursuing my passions and making my dreams a reality. This month writing, studying, coaching, volunteering and reviewing will be keeping me very busy as well as my usual blog posts.

Over at Professor Owl’s Book Corner, we recently published our Back-to-School Newsletter.This month features some great book recommendations, literacy tutoring and creative writing inspiration for our young writers.

On August 25th, we celebrated our sixth month of the “We Are The World Blogfest” #WATWB We are getting a fantastic response and a huge thank you to everyone who participated. My post was about the inspiring artist, writer, model and UN ambassador, Muniba Mazari. Read my post “The Art Of Converting Adversities Into Opportunities #WATWB” here.Next post is September 29th, 2017!

Wondering what #WATWB is all about? The #WATWB was inspired by a simple conversation about how all the negativity on social media was weighing on us. Wanting to make a difference we decided to try to do our part to infuse social media with all the good stories that are out there. We hope to share the stories that show kindness, compassion, hope, overcoming challenges and in general, the impressive resilience of the human spirit. For every dark, negative story out there, there is a positive, heartwarming story that will add some light and lift the human spirit. The last Friday of every month bloggers will share their positive stories led by five co-hosts. If you are interested in learning more about this or to join us pleaseclick herefor details.

Wishing everyone a successful September…wherever you may be in your day or evening, I hope you are making your fondest dreams a reality!

Live, laugh & love! ❤

“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt

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“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it.” ~Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Looking forward to what May brings! The busier I am the better I like it and in May it looks like I will be busy. In May I will be continuing my studies, working on a few ongoing projects and as usual, I will be busy with copywriting, book reviews, writing my novel and volunteering. On May 15th I will be launching a new program atIgniteYourCreativity.netThis month I am offering“Ignite Your Core Creativity” and stay tuned in July for the launch of “Art as Therapy”. Both programs are designed to help you embrace your passion, heal, and ignite your creativity.

We also had a second successful month for our “We Are The World Blogfest” #WATWBon April 28th and our numbers are growing. A huge thank you to all who have participated. The #WATWB was inspired by a simple conversation about how all the negativity on social media was weighing on us. Wanting to make a difference we decided to try to do our part to infuse social media with all the good stories that are out there. We hope to share the stories that show kindness, compassion, hope, overcoming challenges and in general, the impressive resilience of the human spirit. For every dark, negative story out there, there is a positive, heartwarming story that will add some light and lift the human spirit. The last Friday of every month bloggers will share their stories led by five co-hosts. If you are interested in learning more about this or to join us pleaseclick herefor details. Next post is May 26th, 2017!

“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes.”~Andrew Carnegie

Wishing everyone a wonderful May…wherever you may be in your day or evening, I hope you’re working hard to make your fondest dreams your reality!

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“Some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity.” ~Gilda Radner

It’s the start of a new year and I’m moving forward with lessons learned and more determination than ever. Working on new projects that I have been laying the groundwork for the past year and still in the throws of juggling two course loads; coaching (business) and history/archaeology/palaeography (academic). I will also still be writing copy, book reviews, volunteering and trying to work on my manuscripts…oh and stay sane…oops! Well that ship sailed a long time ago!

Here’s to hoping 2017 turns out to be a stellar year of new beginnings for everyone!

Wherever you may be in your day or evening, I hope you’re making each and every moment matter! 🙂

Live, laugh & love!

“Nothing is predestined. The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings.” ~Ralph Blum